Denis Opudo
As the saying goes a journey of a thousand miles states with one step, Ngo Okafor is a living example to that. A Nigerian citizen went to the U.S at the age of 18 years and there he studied computer science and worked in an IT firm. He never took long before resigning from the firm. His love for computer and technology made him work towards a lot apart from just working for an IT firm. However, the pressure from his parents who are typical Africans did not allow him to meet his goals easily. Most African parents believe that for people to prosper they must do white collar jobs. However, that hinders the development and kills one’s talent.
Ngo Okafor had a lot of things that he wanted to engage in apart from IT. He had interest in sports but his parents could not allow him. He, later on, got into modeling and he became successful. Ngo received many appraisals but before that, he had to go alone in that. Parents were always worried about how people will take the move given that their son had gone to America. His urge to go for what he wants helped him achieve a lot in different fields.
Ngo discovered his talent after falling into the hands of tourists. This came after he opted to start selling calendars on the streets to earn a living. Given his body size, tourists were more attracted to his business. This made him sell a lot of the calendars. Ngo is currently a two time Golden Gloves Boxing champion. He won the awards at the age of 33 and 34. The award made him to be in the headlines in the local dailies. The dailies included The Source, VOGUE, FORTUNE, W, and ESPN Magazine. Furthermore for more than a decade now he has remained the top celebrity trainer in New York. He also trains Jennifer Lopez, Naomi Campbell, and Iman among other celebrities.
Ngo is the founder of FitMatch a social fitness app. The app helps people who are looking for fitness partners. The app uses geolocation technology to connect people globally. It also gives people an opportunity to connect with others anywhere in the world. The platform also brings starters who are at the same fitness level together. Starters can keep each other updated on their fitness levels using the platform. This helps to motivate one another and make them work harder.
The current technological revolution does not need people to physically look for others to get any service. Things are now done in one’s comfort. Technology has helped those who don’t like to interact with others. There are a good number of fitness platforms like OK Cupid, Tinder and now FitMatch. However, FitMatch still stands out. This is because of sports, fitness and entrepreneurial skills possessed by the founder. Ngo’s achievement shows that anyone can achieve their goals once they are committed to it. Goals do not look at race, background or financial status. The most important thing is the commitment.
